Marci Bodner is the US and Canadian Brand Specialist for Amalgam Collection, a company based out of Bristol, United Kingdom that specialises in making extremely detailed, high-end scale model cars and miniature sculptures of iconic and luxury automobiles.
Amalgam was started in 1985 by Sandy Copeman from his love of motor racing and he continues to be integral in the success of the company today. The Amalgam Collection models are constructed by master craftsman capturing the entirety of the original car. They produce small quantities with remarkable attention to detail, primarily make 1:8 and 1:18 scale models, with undeniable perfection.
Marci grew up loving cars, tractors, wagons, remote control cars, bicycles, anything with wheels. She recalls watching motor racing on TV with her father, who taught her how to drive a manual transmission around their property at the very young age of around 12 years old.
As a lifelong competitor, a Pennsylvania State Champion swimmer, and a Division One Collegiate All-American, “I dedicated myself to the sport of swimming, so the spirit of racing always motivated me. After her swimming career came to a close, Marci became enthusiastic about car racing, In my mid-twenties, I participated in a Skip Barber racing school at Laguna Seca racetrack in an open-wheeled car to learn car control and the capabilities of the car,” Marci told Driven Women Magazine.
This was the beginning of Marci’s love affair with racing cars. She spent from 1997-1999 in a Swift DB-1 Formula Ford, and then moved on to driving a Formula Mazda from 1999-2002, with the highlight of that attending the SCCA Run Offs in 2001 at Mid-Ohio. Since then, Marci has enjoyed attending local track days, most recently in her Porsche 911 4S, which put a huge smile on her face, but it’s nothing like racing, and Marci misses it.
“There’s nothing like getting behind the wheel, settling down into the cockpit, cinching your belts, smelling the gasoline, feeling the vibrations, and hearing the engine. The mental training involved in racing is just as important as the car. I would always find a quiet place to close my eyes, visualise laps in the car, each turn, each gear. All of your senses become heightened and your heart is racing. Immediately, you go into the zone,” shared Marci.
As the Brand Ambassador and Sales Specialist for the Amalgam Collection in the USA market, Marci promotes Amalgam all across the country, along with generating sales and assisting with inquiries. She also interfaces with dealerships to be their point of contact while building a constant and steadfast relationship.
“While I wear a myriad of hats, the one role that I am most proud of is helping a client order a bespoke 1:8 scale model of a particular car that they are fond of. It often is a car that commemorates a special time in their life or the life of another whom they would like to give the model to as a gift. The bespoke process is often a way to keep a memory alive, even if the car has moved on. The models embody a personalised unique experience and time in their life!” said Marci.
Marci also has the distinct pleasure of attending some of the most prestigious events around the country such as the Cavallino Classic, The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, the opening of the newly renovated Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and the entire Ferrari Challenge North American Race season. In keeping with the Ferrari theme, she has also been to several private invitation only Ferrari Esperienza events. As Marci continues to be part of the Amalgam team, her hope is that her reach continues to grow into other automotive markets.
Receiving an order that is going to be a surprise gift is something Marci always loves, as she can literally feel the excitement from the customer when the order is placed.
“My first ever bespoke order was a 1:8 scale Ferrari 488 GT3 Modificata in Rosso 1000 GP. It was a gift for ‘the guy who has everything.’ Ordering a unique build for a customer gives me a genuine sense of being part of something special. This particular livery commemorated the 1000th Ferrari F1 Race in the Tuscan Grand Prix in September 2020 at Mugello,” recalled Marci.
Another special model that Marci has been part of was a 1:8 scale bespoke McLaren P1 order. A girlfriend wanted to get one of her boyfriend’s favourite cars replicated. Marci could feel her anticipation throughout the whole process. The build process takes about 20 weeks so there is excitement throughout that whole time.
“I am honoured to work for such a prestigious world-renowned company. I have met so many wonderful people along the way, and I love having a team of colleagues ‘across the pond’ in the UK who support me as I continue to build my catalogue of clients in the USA.
Of course, learning about the cars and their history is an added benefit. Blending my passion for motorsport and my love of beautiful cars, I am part of something truly unique and special. Every model created is a piece of art. It brings me a great sense of pride to be connected to something deeply admired and to meet the people associated with it,” concluded Marci.
If you would like your very own Amalgam Collection replica, you can get in touch with Marci Bodner via Instagram or marci.bodner@amalgam.com. For more information, check out the Amalgam Collection website amalgamcollection.com and contact Marci to place your order.
Photographs supplied.